Mumbai Weather News: Microclimate Zones Forming In City, Temperatures Vary Within Few Kilometers; Know Why | Canva
Mumbai: When it comes to unstable weather patterns and unseasonal rains or rise in humidity, Its not a news to Mumbai and its resiendents but it has become a topic of concern due to the frequency and massive stretch of temperatures within the city, showcasing about difference of about 13 degrees Celsius in different parts of city within few kilometeres. The city is said to have been creating a microclimate zones in certain areas according to a recent study done on the weather patterns observed in Mumbai.
Mumbai is grappling with significant temperature disparities, characterized by a variance of up to 13 degrees Celsius, primarily due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. A study by Respirer Living Sciences identified areas like Vasai West and Ghatkopar, with temperatures reaching 33.5 and 33.3 degrees Celsius, while greener Powai maintained a cooler average of 20.4 degrees Celsius, indicating stark differences even within the same city.
What Are Microclimate Zones?
Microclimate zones are localized areas within a broader region exhibiting distinctive climatic conditions due to local influences. These variations arise from factors such as terrain, which includes hills and bodies of water; vegetation, which can modify temperature and humidity; and man-made structures like buildings and roads, which also contribute to altering local climates.
Urban Heat Island Impacts Mumbai
The UHI effect arises from extensive concrete construction, limited green spaces, and high pollution levels, contributing to heightened heat stress and health issues in densely populated regions.
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects are increasingly prominent in Mumbai, leading to microclimates with temperature variations up to 13 degrees Celsius. Areas like Vasai West and Ghatkopar are notably hotter than cooler zones like Powai and Chakala, driven by infrastructure that retains heat, limited green cover, and localized pollution, raising health risks.
A study by Respirer Living Sciences (RLS) from March 1 to 22, 2025, indicated average temperatures of 33.5°C in Vasai West and 33.3°C in Ghatkopar, contrasted with Powai’s cooler 20.4°C. RLS founder Ronak Sutaria highlighted rising heat stress, while urban planner Nitin Killawala emphasized the need for development regulations prioritizing greenery to combat escalating temperatures.
Ronak Sutaria, founder of Respirer Living Sciences, highlighted microclimate zones as a major concern, especially in overdeveloped areas. His research identifies Vasai West as the hottest locality, with rising temperatures in traditionally cooler neighborhoods like Ghatkopar and Colaba.
This issue intensified in March 2025, when severe heatwaves struck Mumbai, pushing temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius. Sutaria advocates for targeted heat forecasting and mitigation strategies such as increased tree planting and reflective materials. Urban planner Nitin Killawala stressed the need for development regulations that prioritize greenery to address growing temperature discrepancies and health challenges.
